Objective:

to characterize the health status of older adults in the La Libertad (Peru) region.

Materials and methods:

Quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study. Valuation scales were used: Minimental State Examination (MMSE), The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF) (GOHAI), Functional Assessment Stages (Fast), Yesavage and Sheikh Depression Scale, Morisky Green Test, Katz Index, and Lawton Scale for activities of daily living. It was applied in the 12 provinces of the region La Libertad. Sample of 1110.

Results:

This article presents only a part of the results obtained in the research carried out with older adults in the La Libertad - Peru region.93.6 % presented normal cognition. Most perceived their health as regular. Adequate physical activity 18.3-27.7 %. Normal nutritional status 61.1 %. They need oral attention 39.7 %. Satisfied sexually 41.9 %. Their most important values are love and respect and 73.3 % are prepared to die. Vaccinated against influenza 50.5 %. They did not perform mammography or Papanicolaou 76 % and 70.9 % and 65 % of men did not perform prostate examination. They present disease 67.6 % being the main hypertension, arthritis and diabetes mellitus. They suffered falls 30.5 %. Urinary incontinence in women 36.3 % -45.6 % and men 30 % -49 %. Depression 28.9 %. Polypharmacy 35%. Independent in basic and instrumental activities of daily life 83.4 % and 60 % respectively. They do not have health insurance 20.7 %.

Conclusions:

The most important problems are evidenced by inadequate physical activity, risk / malanutrition, poor coverage of vaccines and detection of breast, cervical, and prostate cancer. Arterial hypertension, arthritis and diabetes mellitus poorly controlled with significant presence of polypharmacy and non-possession of health insurance.

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